Prime Video has released the first trailer for its upcoming documentary focused on the Garage 56 program, "American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans."
The feature-length documentary, which releases on June 12, follows NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, and a select group of drivers as they attempt to successfully field an entry in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
As the trailer shows, this was far from a simple task. The team had to build cars capable of completing the grueling endurance race. They also had to contend with unexpected weather and other issues that surfaced during the prestigious event.
The durability of the car was a chief concern after NASCAR received an invitation to compete in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. As NBC Sports writer Nate Ryan says in the trailer, NASCAR's last attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1976 featured one car only completing two laps.
"Our goal was to make sure that we beat my father's record," NASCAR CEO Jim France says.
Completing only two laps would not be acceptable for the race's 100th anniversary. NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports knew that they had one shot to create a successful run in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"We're going to do this right," Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, says in the trailer. "Whatever it takes, we're not going to be embarrassed."
"American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans" features numerous interviews gathered during the project that lasted 18 months.
The Prime Video trailer, in particular, features quotes from Mike Rockenfeller, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Chad Knaus, NASCAR CEO Jim France, NBC Sports' Nate Ryan, and motorsports writer Alanis King.
"American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans" is produced by NASCAR Studios and Griffin Van Malssen and directed by Brad Lockhart. The film is executive produced by Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports and Tim Clark, John Dahl, Amy Anderson, Tally Hair, and Matt Summers of NASCAR.